In a class action being tried by our firm, on April 27, 2007 a jury returned verdicts on the compensatory damage claims of the first thirty-one (31) Plaintiffs whose cases went to trial resulting from the September 21, 2003, explosion at Isotec in Miamisburg, Ohio.
In closing arguments, the Plaintiffs asked the jury to award between $4,000 and $10,000 per person. Yet, the jury awarded an average of only $210.00 per person.  The highest award was $625.00. Five Plaintiffs received awards of just $35.00. The jury arrived at their decision after listening to 1 1/2 weeks of trial testimony.  Marty Foos was trial attorney for Isotec, with Gordon Ankney from the St. Louis firm of Thompson Coburn. Associates Nick Smith, Erin Rhinehart, and Holt Hedrick also worked to prepare for trial.

FI&C Won Summary Judgment in a Case Pending in the Warren County Common Pleas Court .
On behalf of the Middletown Journal, FI&C attorneys Bob Bartlett and Tim Pepper won summary judgment on all claims in a defamation suit brought by a former official with the Franklin City Schools.

FI&C Defeated a Motion to Close Court Proceedings in a Matter Pending Before the Montgomery County Common Pleas Court .
On behalf of the Dayton Daily News, FI&C attorneys Bob Bartlett and Tim Pepper successfully opposed the defendant's attempt to prohibit media access to pretrial proceedings in a high-profile capital murder prosecution.

FI&C Forced the Government to Disclose Public Records.
On behalf of the Dayton Daily News, FI&C attorney Tim Pepper filed a mandamus action in Ohio 's Third District Court of Appeals to force an elected official to disclose recordings of 911 calls related to a high-profile murder investigation.  The suit, and the imminent threat of an adverse ruling from the court, compelled the government to change its position and disclose the tapes in compliance with Ohio 's public records laws.  A motion for attorney's fees on behalf of the newspaper remains pending before the court.

Angela Sinkovits' article entitled "The Corporate Side of Lawyer-Client Privilege" was published in The Dayton Business Journal on April 20, 2007 .
The article addresses application of the attorney-client privilege to business leaders, particularly corporations.

Brian Wright was a presenter on the topic of Ethics:  E-mail and Electronic Discovery at the Annual Domestic Relations Seminar sponsored by the Dayton Bar Association.
Brian's presentation relied on his technology-related experience, focusing on the ethical considerations for attorneys who represent clients who regularly use e-mail to communicate about highly sensitive matters.  Brian and other members of the firm, including Ron Raether and Katie Wahl, will be speaking about e-discovery and operating in compliance with the new Federal Rules of Civil Procedure on July 24, 2007 in Cincinnati and about strategies for legal professionals to efficiently and safely use the research capabilities of the internet in Columbus on August 2, 2007.

FI&C Associates Erin Rhinehart and Katie Miltner are the co-chairs of the Dayton Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division's first annual 5 for the Kids, 5k run/walk race to benefit CARE House, Dayton's advocacy center for abused and neglected children.
Recently, 5 for the Kids received a $2,000 grant from the American Bar Association's Young Lawyers Division ("ABA YLD").  The ABA YLD offers various levels of grants (ranging from $100-$2,000) for events or programs organized by local young lawyers divisions across the nation.  Notably, 5 for the Kids is the only event sponsored by an Ohio bar association to receive a grant from the ABA YLD, and is among the few events to receive the highest amount awarded ($2,000).

Andrew Reitz was selected as Volunteer of the Quarter by the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, which award will be presented at the Board of Directors Meeting on May 23, 2007.
Andy was selected for his volunteer activities with Generation Dayton, an organization that provides area young professionals with exciting opportunities to develop professional skills, build relationships with existing business and community leaders, and forge friendships with peers in a professional environment.  Andy currently serves as an Ambassador of Generation Dayton and previously served on its Steering Committee as an At-Large Member.

Jeff Sharkey was selected to lead the Centerville/Springboro Adventure Guides group.
Adventure Guides is a program offered across the country designed to strengthen the relationship between a parent and a child by participating in a variety of fun and educational activities.